Workplace Preparedness for Coronavirus

Plan, Prepare and Respond to COVID-19

Businesses and employers can prevent and slow the spread of COVID-19. Employers should prepare to respond in a flexible way to varying levels of disease transmission in the community. It is strongly encouraged to coordinate with state and local health officials so timely and accurate information can guide the appropriate responses. Employers can consider how to best lower the spread of COVID-19 in their workplace by reducing transmission among employees, maintain healthy business operations and a healthy work environment.

Reducing the Transmission Among Employees

Actively encourage sick employees to stay home. Any employees showing symptoms of fever, cough, or shortness of breath should notify their supervisor and stay home.

Sick employees should follow the CDC recommended steps, including but not limited to:

Staying home

Take care of yourself

Stay in touch with your doctor

Avoid public transportation

Stay in a specific room, separating yourself form people and pets as much as possible.

Monitor your symptoms

Cleaning high-touch areas

Wearing a mask and washing hands

Employees who have been home isolated can stop home isolation once they have met the following conditions:

Gone without a fever for at least 72 hours (without the use of fever reducing medications)

Other symptoms such as coughing, and shortness of breath have improved

At least 7 days have passed since your symptoms first appeared

Employees who are well but have a sick family or friend should also take caution and notify their supervisor

Identify where and how employees might be exposed to COVID-19 at work

Be aware that some individuals may be at a higher risk for serious illness, such as older employees and those with chronic medical conditions. Consider minimizing face-to-face contact or assign work tasks that always allow them to remain six feet apart from others.

If an employee is confirmed to have COVID-19, employers should inform their co-workers of their possible exposure in the workplace. However, confidentiality is required by the Americans with Disabilities Act.

Educate employees on how they can do their part in reducing the spread of COVID-19

Maintain Healthy Business Operations

Identify a workplace coordinator who will be responsible for COVID-19 issues and their impact on the workplace.